Manuscript Collections
WashU Libraries’ Julian Edison Department of Special Collections Manuscript collections contain a broad range of materials dating from the 2nd century BC through the present. The Modern Literature Collection is the largest material group focusing on Anglo and American literary manuscripts in the 20th and 21st centuries. Other significant holdings include Coptic Greek papyri fragments, European manuscript books and leaves, St. Louis literary events recorded on audiotapes, and American/European autograph collections of significant writers, scientists, politicians, and more. Contact the Curator of the Modern Literature Collection/Manuscripts Joel Minor for more information.
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Explore the Modern Literature Collection and Manuscripts Research Guide
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Collection Gert von Gontard Collection
Hildegard von Gontard gave the WashU Libraries a significant collection of books and manuscripts from her late husband, Gert von...View Collection about Gert von Gontard Collection -
Collection William K. Bixby Collection
William K. Bixby made significant donations of manuscripts, letters, and printed books to the WashU Libraries. The Bixby Collection is...View Collection about William K. Bixby Collection -
Collection Joy Williams
Described as one of the masters of the contemporary short story, the Joy Williams Collection spans over five decades consists...View Collection about Joy Williams -
Collection James Merrill
The James Merrill Papers consists of drafts, diaries, correspondence, photographs, and more that detail the life of this remarkable poet....View Collection about James Merrill -
Collection George N. Meissner Collection
Fine books from the 15th century to the present, including early illuminated manuscripts and incunabula.View Collection about George N. Meissner Collection -
Collection Isador Mendle Memorial Collection
The collection focuses on developments in printing since the Industrial Revolution with an emphasis on the last 100 years.View Collection about Isador Mendle Memorial Collection -
Collection A. E. Hotchner
The A. E. Hotchner Papers consist of manuscript, editorial material, scripts for Hemingway adaptations, correspondence, photographs, and other memorabilia.View Collection about A. E. Hotchner -
Collection Eugene O’Neill
Materials related to the life and work of Eugene O’Neill along with first editions of the playwright’s works located in...View Collection about Eugene O’Neill -
Collection Mary Jo Bang
The Mary Jo Bang Papers consists of manuscripts and an assortment of materials relating to the artist's work outside of...View Collection about Mary Jo Bang -
Collection Mona Van Duyn
Mona Van Duyn was the first woman Poet Laureate of the United States and served as poetry consultant for WashU...View Collection about Mona Van Duyn -
Collection William H. Gass
William H. Gass founded the International Writers Center at WashU; this collection hopes to honor him while highlighting his own...View Collection about William H. Gass -
Collection William Gaddis
Consists largely of the author's own manuscript material and a substantial amount of personal and general correspondence, particularly to editors,...View Collection about William Gaddis
Collecting Areas
Digital Collections
Digital Collections highlight those portions of the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections that have been made or born-digital.
Dowd Illustration Research Archive
The Dowd Illustration Research Archive (formerly Dowd Modern Graphic History Library) at WashU includes original art and printed material from many popular American pictorial graphic culture fields.
East Asian Library Special Collections
The East Asian Library's special collection includes about 900 volumes of rare and special books, manuscripts, and other materials.
Film & Media Archive
The Archive is committed to the preservation of documentary film and other media which chronicles America's great political and social movements with a particular emphasis on the African-American experience.
Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library Special Collections
The Art & Architecture Special Collections is a 4,200-volume collection of rare and unique art and design printed materials located at the Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library. The main focus is illustrated books, prints, and photographs from the 18th and 19th centuries and contemporary book design.
Local History Collections
The local history collecting area focuses on the history of St. Louis and the surrounding region.
Manuscript Collections
WashU Libraries' Julian Edison Department of Special Collections Manuscript collections contain a broad range of materials dating from the 2nd century BC through the present.
Modern Literature Collection
The Modern Literature Collection includes more than 175 authors, presses, and journals, more than 125 of which are represented by manuscript materials.
Music Special Collections
Special Collections at the Gaylord Music Library include sheet music, manuscripts, rare books, and digital materials.
Rare Book Collections
The Rare Book Collections include books from all Special Collection areas. The collections’ primary strengths are in literature, the material culture of the book, including the history of printing, graphic design, and the book arts, and aspects of American and world history.
Washington University Archives
The University Archives chronicles the history of WashU from 1853 to today with over 300 unique collections, including campus publications, reports, photographic prints and negatives, books, film, sound recordings, oral histories, architectural plans, and artifacts.